SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts/Honda is excited to announce that Malcolm Stewart will return to the team for the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series.

Stewart, the 2016 250 East Coast Supercross champion, joined the SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts/Honda for 2019 and was widely expected to be a front-runner in the competitive 450 class. Major changes to Stewart’s training and practice program helped him come into the race season faster and more physically fit than ever, and his dedication to the development of the Honda CRF450R made him a valuable part of the race team.

Unfortunately, Stewart suffered a broken femur at the second round in Arizona and was sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Through the recovery process of the injury and necessary surgery, Stewart maintained a high level of fitness through gym work and long-distance, high-intensity bicycle rides.

By confirming his place for 2020 at this point in the year, the SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts/Honda team is certain Stewart will be one of the top riders in the sport when the gate drops next year.

Malcolm Stewart signs for SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts/Honda

“I’m very excited and blown away at how we did the deal! We were in the middle of the autograph signing and the next thing you know, I was signing a contract,” said Stewart of the extension.

“I’m so happy and it’s great to be with the team for another year. I’m thankful that they gave me another shot and excited to work with the same great group again. I have a whole year to get ready for Anaheim 1 next year!”

Speaking about the deal, Tony Alessi, said: “Our team is very loyal to our riders, especially when they are making the needed improvements daily to their race program.

“It’s only natural for us as a team to resume where we left off with Malcolm Stewart for the 2020 race season.”

Team owner Mike Genova revealed the reason behind the early announcement. “To get things moving in the right direction early is always good. It’s actually one of the reasons we choose to do a Supercross-only program, because it gives us more time to perfect our team.

“Malcolm has proved that he puts in the work and is committed, and we all know how fast he is. It’s a great combination. Because of the way he was injured, we felt he deserved another shot.

“Everyone was impressed by his speed in the first part of the season,” added Genova. “We think we have a contender for next year’s championship right now. Our goal is to coach him from now to January to get him to a level of speed and skill that might not be his full effort, but more than enough to run at the front, and that he would have a little extra in reserve in case he needs it.”